P089 12 month experience of a subsidised mandibular advancement splint program.

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common condition with the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. Mandibular advancement splints (MAS) are an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure in appropriately selected patients. In 2024, our sleep service formalised a subsidised MAS referral pathway through a local university dental service with the aim to improve access to this treatment. We report on our 12 month experience. Methods Patients seen in sleep clinic with confirmed OSA on polysomnography who preferenced MAS therapy and were felt to be appropriate candidates were referred for dental assessment. The sleep physician provided an overview of MAS therapy, expectations regarding outcomes, cost and follow up. Patients subsequently underwent a MAS-polysomnography to assess efficacy. Progress to date Of 24 patients referred for MAS, 7 (mean age 48 years, 71% male, mean pre-treatment BMI 27.8kg/m2, mean BMI at follow up 27.3 kg/m2) have completed treatment polysomnography. There was a 60% mean reduction in AHI (pre-treatment mean AHI 27.6/hr, post treatment mean AHI 9.11/hr) and a 1.15 point reduction in ESS. All patients have rated MAS to be comfortable with no adverse effects reported at short term follow up. Intended outcome and impact As a tertiary sleep service we feel that it is important to provide effective referral pathways to a range of evidence based OSA therapies. We hope that our 12 month experience will demonstrate that MAS therapy is accessible through the public health system with desirable therapeutic outcomes and patient satisfaction.